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Thursday, March 30, 2006

Chiang Mai in One Day

Overview

Chiang Mai is the country's second largest city of Thailand, it located at north of Thailand and far from Bangkok 700 kilometer by car. The populations of Chiang Mai are more than 1,500,000 peoples. Chiang Mai is the ancient city which has magic power that can attract people for visiting. At the city have temple more than 300 temples in which some Burmese architectural influence can be seen. It a cosmopolitan place with a well developed infrastructure for tourist such as center for arts, crafts, cooking, massage and surrounding by hill tribe.

Thai people well know Chiang Mai as the Kingdom of Lanna. You can notice from their language, house, local food and costume.

What to do

- Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
The famous and important temple of Chiang Mai is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which built in 1383 B.E. The tourists can look over the city from view point by walk along the steep naga staircase around 300 steps. Once you rech you will see a huge golden pagoda (chedi), ring the bell, pay respect to holy Buddha’s relics that attract all devotees around the world.
A walk around the grounds reveals a variety of colorful and fragrant flowers, and murals that depict Buddha's previous lives. Every year Chiang Mai’s people will celebrate Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep at night by walk from Chiang Mai University to temple which far from here about 9 kilometers and take about 2-3 hours.
Open Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday
Location: From the end of Huay Keaw Road and continue about 9 kilometers northwest of Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50300 Thailand
- Chiang Mai ZooChiang Mai Zoo was open on 1995, founded by Mr.Harold M. Young, an American missionary. He kept some wild animals at the foothill of Suthep Mountain to be private zoo. Now Chiang Mai Zoo has 7,000 wild animals and covers the area of 531 rai (1 rai = 2/5 acre). And new popular animal is panda from China; they lend us a couple of panda for 10 years from 2004 to 2014.
- Wat Chedi Luang
This temple was built in 14th century and located at center city. It’s well-known because of its enormous chedi, which is measured at 282 feet high and 144 feet wide (at the base), that it is considered to be the largest chedi in Chiang Mai.
- Central Airport Plaza
This mall is a bit smaller than Kad Suan Keow but still offers great shopping which teenage like to go there. All shops here are familiar names like Watson, Esprit, The Body Shop and Export Shop. At tenants zone you can find many things such as wine, eyeglasses, jewelry, phones, appliances and sporting goods etc.
Opening hours: 11.00a.m.-10p.m.on Monday to Friday
9.30a.m.-10p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 2 Mahidol (Highway 1141), Chiang Mai, 50100 near Chiang Mai Air Port.

Nightlife

- Night Bazaar
Night Bazaar is located on Chang Klan Road, a shopper’s paradise place, with many shops along two side roads. The street stalls sell a variety of items, including fine Thai silk, antiques, silver, clothing, handicrafts, CDs, videos, perfumes and watches. This is an exciting area for shopping and also there are plenty of places to eat and drink.
Open Hours: 6.00p.m.to midnight, Monday to Sunday.
Location: 104-1 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, 50100 Thailand
- The Red Lion English Pub & Restaurant
A firm favorite with locals and tourists alike, The Red Lion open more than fifth year has features an air-conditioned bar as well as a pleasant terrace over-looking the vibrant Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Location: The heart of the famous Chiang Mai night bazaar in a quiet lane opposite the car-park of Mc Donald's.
- The Pub
An old English Pub and best pub of Chiang Mai has been here for decades.
Location: 189 Huay Keow Road
Tel: (053)211550
- Sax Music Pub Jazz and Art
It’s a small Pub by the Taphae gate. Good sax music and a friendly client
Location: 35/2 MoonMuang Rd.
Tel: (053)216073
http://www.lifeevents.org/photos/200401-Sax%20Pub/